Coastguard rescues families 'stranded' at Birling Gap following cliff fall
By Megan Baker
Published 27th Jan 2026, 16:42 GMT
Updated 27th Jan 2026, 17:21 GMT
Two families were rescued after a cliff fall left them stranded on a beach at Birling Gap.
An HM Coastguard spokesperson said: “At 2.33pm this afternoon (Tuesday, January 22), HM Coastguard received reports of two families stranded on a beach at Birling Gap, East Sussex, after access steps were damaged by debris during a cliff fall.
"Coastguard Rescue Teams from Birling Gap, Newhaven and Eastbourne were sent and rope rescue technicians extricated nine people and one canine up the cliff to safety.
"No further assistance was required.”
Wealden District Council (WDC) confirmed the steps at Birling Gap had been closed.
A spokesperson said: “Due to a significant cliff fall, the steps at Birling Gap have been closed for safety reasons.
"There is therefore no access to the beach until the area has been deemed safe.”